Mascherano came to blows with Christian Pavon, right, after he criticised Willy Caballero for his mistake

It was also claimed that Mascherano and striker Cristian Pavon came to blows in the dressing room after the Croatia match when the former Liverpool midfielder lashed out verbally at blunder keeper Willy Caballero.

Despite the demands of the players, Sampaoli was given a stay of execution by Tapia after being summoned to the President’s room at Argentina’s base in Bronnitsy, 60 miles outside Moscow.